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AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The following statement was released this afternoon by Detroit Pistons following news of the passing of former Pistons’ player Dan Roundfield. Roundfield played one season for the team averaging 10.9 points and 8.1 rebounds in 56 games during the 1984-85 season.
“The Detroit Pistons family is deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the passing of Dan Roundfield and we offer our condolences to his family. Dan will be remembered as a great teammate and professional both on and off the court.”
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Pistons Revamping Frontcourt
Pistons Revamping Frontcourt
By Steve St-Pierre | @Steve_Courtside
Two days before the 2012 NBA Draft, the Pistons acquired swingman Corey Maggette from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for veteran guard Ben Gordon and a first-round draft pick. Then, for the third straight season, a player projected to be a top-five draft pick fell to the Pistons as center Andre Drummond of Connecticut slid to No. 9. Detroit ended the evening by selecting Texas A&M small forward Khris Middleton and Missouri shooting guard Kim English in the second round at Nos. 39 and 44, respectively.
The Pistons have since also agreed to terms with 2011 second-round draft pick Kyle Singler, who spent last season playing in Spain, as well as free-agent Ukrainian center Vyacheslav Kravtsov. Both players are expected to officially sign contracts with the Pistons on July 11, when the NBA’s moratorium period ends and free agents can officially join teams.
With the additions of Drummond and Kravtsov, the Pistons now have two legitimate centers, which means veteran Greg Monroe will likely play more minutes at power forward. Jason Maxiell, who started at power forward last season, had an option to opt out of his contract but has elected to play out the final season of his deal with Detroit. It’s possible Maxiell could remain the starter, with Monroe shifting between power forward and center as Drummond and Kravtsov enter games from the bench.
Maggette, Singler and Middleton will join a crowded group at small forward that also includes starter Tayshaun Prince and reserves Jonas Jerebko and Austin Daye, though Jerebko and Singler can both swing over to power forward at times as well. The Pistons also have power forward Charlie Villanueva still under contract, though it’s possible the team could decide to waive him via the amnesty clause, eliminating his salary from their cap while still paying him in full.
Currently, the Pistons have 15 players under contract when you include all five rookies: Drummond, Middleton, English, Singler and Kravtsov. Detroit also has three unrestricted free agents in Ben Wallace, Damien Wilkins and Vernon Macklin, who the team could have made a restricted free agent by making a qualifying offer but chose not to. Macklin will join the Pistons’ Summer League team in hopes of a roster spot opening or being signed by another team, while Wilkins will likely sign elsewhere. Wallace is expected to announce his retirement this summer.
Detroit’s backcourt appears set with Brandon Knight and Rodney Stuckey remaining in the starting lineup. Veteran Will Bynum will continue as Knight’s backup at point guard while Maggette, Daye, Middleton and English could all see minutes at shooting guard behind Stuckey.
In all likelihood, the Pistons will look to make at least one more roster move before the offseason ends. The team will likely look to trade Villanueva and Daye in order to free up a roster spot for either Macklin and/or a veteran guard to spell Knight or Stuckey in the backcourt.
At least the Pistons’ main goals this offseason have already been achieved. They have acquired a couple of young, promising centers up front to team up with Monroe. They have created cap space by ridding themselves of the disappointing Gordon and replacing him with a better fit in Maggette, who is playing on an expiring contract. They also secured a deal with Singler, who had excelled in Spain and was said to be contemplating staying there.
They won’t quite be the cream of the crop in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, but the Pistons have revitalized their roster. They’re even younger now than they’ve been, but they’ll be that much more entertaining in watching grow and develop into a potential contender.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
DETROIT PISTONS SELECT ANDRE DRUMMOND WITH THE NINTH PICK IN THE 2012 NBA DRAFT
In Play Magazine
Khris Middleton Selected 39th and Kim English 44th
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons announced today that the club has selected Andre Drummond with the with the ninth pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft held on Thursday, June 28. The club also selected Khris Middleton with the 39th pick and Kim English with the 44th pick in the second round.
“We are pleased to draft Andre Drummond with the number nine pick,” said Joe Dumars, Pistons President of Basketball Operations. “He’s a player with good size and physical tools and we look forward to seeing him grow within our organization. We’re real pleased to add Khris Middleton and Kim English in the second round. They’re two young players that will give us quality depth at the wing positions.”
Drummond, a 6-11, 279-pound center from the University of Connecticut, averaged 10.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 0.4 assists and 2.7 blocks as a freshman for the Huskies. In 34 games, he shot a team-high 53.8% from the field and ranked third in blocks (2.7) in the Big East Conference. Drummond recorded a season-high 24 points (11-12 FG), eight rebounds and five blocks vs. Holy Cross (12/18). Drummond also earned two Big East Big East Rookie of the Week honors last season by scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds vs. West Virginia (1/9) and 18 points (9-12 FG) with seven rebounds at Georgetown (2/1). A native of Mount Vernon, N.Y., he was rated the No.1 high school prospect by Scout.com, No.2 in the ESPNU Top-100 and led St. Thomas More (Conn.) to the 2011 Prep National Championship.
Middleton, a 6-7 junior from Texas A&M, averaged 13.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season. In 87 career games, he averaged 11.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 rebounds as a collegian. Middleton averaged 14.4 points and 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists as a sophomore and earned Second Team All-Big 12 and All-Districts selections.
English played four seasons at Missouri and averaged 14.1 points (.521 FG), 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists as a senior. He scored in double figures in 26-of-35 games last season including seven games with 20-plus points. English shot 39.4% from beyond the arc last season and shot better than 36.0% from three-point range in each of his four years. He earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors as a senior and was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2012 Big 12 Tournament.
Khris Middleton Selected 39th and Kim English 44th
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons announced today that the club has selected Andre Drummond with the with the ninth pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft held on Thursday, June 28. The club also selected Khris Middleton with the 39th pick and Kim English with the 44th pick in the second round.
“We are pleased to draft Andre Drummond with the number nine pick,” said Joe Dumars, Pistons President of Basketball Operations. “He’s a player with good size and physical tools and we look forward to seeing him grow within our organization. We’re real pleased to add Khris Middleton and Kim English in the second round. They’re two young players that will give us quality depth at the wing positions.”
Drummond, a 6-11, 279-pound center from the University of Connecticut, averaged 10.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 0.4 assists and 2.7 blocks as a freshman for the Huskies. In 34 games, he shot a team-high 53.8% from the field and ranked third in blocks (2.7) in the Big East Conference. Drummond recorded a season-high 24 points (11-12 FG), eight rebounds and five blocks vs. Holy Cross (12/18). Drummond also earned two Big East Big East Rookie of the Week honors last season by scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds vs. West Virginia (1/9) and 18 points (9-12 FG) with seven rebounds at Georgetown (2/1). A native of Mount Vernon, N.Y., he was rated the No.1 high school prospect by Scout.com, No.2 in the ESPNU Top-100 and led St. Thomas More (Conn.) to the 2011 Prep National Championship.
Middleton, a 6-7 junior from Texas A&M, averaged 13.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season. In 87 career games, he averaged 11.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 rebounds as a collegian. Middleton averaged 14.4 points and 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists as a sophomore and earned Second Team All-Big 12 and All-Districts selections.
English played four seasons at Missouri and averaged 14.1 points (.521 FG), 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists as a senior. He scored in double figures in 26-of-35 games last season including seven games with 20-plus points. English shot 39.4% from beyond the arc last season and shot better than 36.0% from three-point range in each of his four years. He earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors as a senior and was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2012 Big 12 Tournament.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
PISTONS ACQUIRE FORWARD COREY MAGGETTE FROM CHARLOTTE
In Play Magazine
...IN EXCHANGE FOR GUARD BEN GORDON AND A FUTURE FIRST-ROUND DRAFT CHOICE...
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the club has acquired forward Corey Maggette from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for guard Ben Gordon and a future first-round draft choice.
“We welcome Corey Maggette to our organization in a transaction that provides us with a veteran scorer and defender in addition to increased roster flexibility moving forward,” said Joe Dumars, President of Basketball Operations. “We thank Ben Gordon for his commitment to our organization over the last three years and wish him the best in the future.”
Maggette, a 6-6, 225-pound forward, averaged 15.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 32 games with the Charlotte Bobcats last season. In 809 career games, the 13-year NBA veteran has averaged 16.2 points (.454 FG, .325 3FG, .823 FT), 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Maggette averaged a career-high 22.2 points in 2004-05 as a member of the L.A. Clippers and has averaged 20-plus points three times and 15-plus points nine times during his career. Drafted 13th overall in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Seattle Supersonics, his draft rights were then traded to Orlando where he played one year before being traded to the Clippers where he played eight seasons (2000-08). Maggette also played two seasons with the Golden State Warriors (2008-10) and one with the Milwaukee Bucks (2010-11).
Gordon, 29, averaged 12.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 26.9 minutes in 52 games last season (21 starts). He scored a season-high 45 points at Denver (3/21), tying his own NBA record with nine consecutive three-point field goals made without a miss. He also made a franchise-record seven three-pointers in the second quarter vs. Philadelphia (4/26) and tied the franchise record for three-pointers in a half (7). In three seasons with the Pistons, the former Connecticut product averaged 12.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 26.8 minutes in 196 games. After tallying 15-plus points per game during five seasons in Chicago, where he was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2004-05, Gordon’s best year with Detroit came during the 2009-10 campaign when he averaged 13.8 points and 2.7 assists in 62 games.
...IN EXCHANGE FOR GUARD BEN GORDON AND A FUTURE FIRST-ROUND DRAFT CHOICE...
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the club has acquired forward Corey Maggette from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for guard Ben Gordon and a future first-round draft choice.
“We welcome Corey Maggette to our organization in a transaction that provides us with a veteran scorer and defender in addition to increased roster flexibility moving forward,” said Joe Dumars, President of Basketball Operations. “We thank Ben Gordon for his commitment to our organization over the last three years and wish him the best in the future.”
Maggette, a 6-6, 225-pound forward, averaged 15.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 32 games with the Charlotte Bobcats last season. In 809 career games, the 13-year NBA veteran has averaged 16.2 points (.454 FG, .325 3FG, .823 FT), 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Maggette averaged a career-high 22.2 points in 2004-05 as a member of the L.A. Clippers and has averaged 20-plus points three times and 15-plus points nine times during his career. Drafted 13th overall in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Seattle Supersonics, his draft rights were then traded to Orlando where he played one year before being traded to the Clippers where he played eight seasons (2000-08). Maggette also played two seasons with the Golden State Warriors (2008-10) and one with the Milwaukee Bucks (2010-11).
Gordon, 29, averaged 12.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 26.9 minutes in 52 games last season (21 starts). He scored a season-high 45 points at Denver (3/21), tying his own NBA record with nine consecutive three-point field goals made without a miss. He also made a franchise-record seven three-pointers in the second quarter vs. Philadelphia (4/26) and tied the franchise record for three-pointers in a half (7). In three seasons with the Pistons, the former Connecticut product averaged 12.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 26.8 minutes in 196 games. After tallying 15-plus points per game during five seasons in Chicago, where he was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2004-05, Gordon’s best year with Detroit came during the 2009-10 campaign when he averaged 13.8 points and 2.7 assists in 62 games.
Monday, June 11, 2012
DETROIT PISTONS TO HOLD DRUMLINE AUDITIONS
In Play Magazine
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons will be looking for energetic drummers with a rock ‘n’ roll style when auditions are held for their 2012-13 Drumline team on Sunday, June 24th at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Applicants will be judged on their rudimental technique, ability to learn quickly, personality, self confidence and other qualities that embody being a Drumline member.
All participants should wear comfortable clothing to allow free movement and are required to submit a headshot and resume at registration. The preliminary round will consist of performing a music piece followed by performing in subsections (snare, bass, tenor, cymbals) before the first cuts are made. Drummers will then learn a short piece and will be selected from the subsections for individual auditions. Registration is at 10:00 a.m. and auditions will begin at 11:00 a.m.
For more Drumline audition information, click on the ENTERTAINMENT link on http://www.pistons.com/.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons will be looking for energetic drummers with a rock ‘n’ roll style when auditions are held for their 2012-13 Drumline team on Sunday, June 24th at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Applicants will be judged on their rudimental technique, ability to learn quickly, personality, self confidence and other qualities that embody being a Drumline member.
All participants should wear comfortable clothing to allow free movement and are required to submit a headshot and resume at registration. The preliminary round will consist of performing a music piece followed by performing in subsections (snare, bass, tenor, cymbals) before the first cuts are made. Drummers will then learn a short piece and will be selected from the subsections for individual auditions. Registration is at 10:00 a.m. and auditions will begin at 11:00 a.m.
For more Drumline audition information, click on the ENTERTAINMENT link on http://www.pistons.com/.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Pistons Drafting No. 9, Targeting Big Man
Pistons Drafting No. 9, Targeting Big Man
By Steve St-Pierre | @Steve_Courtside
The 2012 NBA Draft Lottery has come and gone, and the Pistons wound up staying where they were at and have the No. 9 pick in the first round of next month’s draft. Once again, they will be looking to acquire a big man.
This year’s draft class features a number of power forwards and centers, with Kentucky’s Anthony Davis, Kansas’ Thomas Robinson and Connecticut’s Andre Drummond expected to go well before Detroit’s on the clock. Instead, the Pistons will target several second-tier post players, including forwards John Henson of North Carolina, Perry Jones III of Baylor, Terrence Jones of Kentucky, Jared Sullinger of Ohio State and center Tyler Zeller of North Carolina.
The Pistons’ greatest need heading into the draft is a defensive-minded power forward to plug alongside center Greg Monroe. Jason Maxiell, a long-time Pistons reserve who wound up starting last season, has the option of opting out of the final year of his contract and becoming a free agent. While both sides are hoping for a return, the team knows it must find a legitimate long-term starter at power forward.
Henson would appear to be the best fit amongst the group of second-tier big men. Sullinger has a similar game to Maxiell but is better offensively. The Joneses are both arguably better suited for small forward, which Detroit has plenty of right now with starter Tayshaun Prince and reserves Jonas Jerebko and Austin Daye. Zeller, if drafted by the Pistons, would likely back up Monroe at center, though they could play together at times with Monroe sliding to power forward.
With the draft being held June 28, the Pistons have less than a month to work out and interview prospects. Clearly, the organization wants to get back to tough, defensive-minded, blue-collar basketball that it played when the team was most successful. The Pistons want somebody who brings that style and will embrace playing in the Motor City.
“To me, it’s the foundations on the defensive end,” says Lawrence Frank, Pistons Head Coach. “That’s when – despite everything – we have to maintain focus to get that one stop.”
“(It’s) about doing the right thing,” adds Tom Gores, Pistons Owner. “We have to represent a quality product in Detroit. We have to represent what we stand for in Detroit.”
The Pistons are already well-prepared for this summer’s offseason and have been in constant communication as a franchise.
“I’m pleased with the communication,” Gores says. “I can call Joe (Dumars, Pistons President) anytime. Joe calls me anytime, so I’m pleased…
“…In Joe and Lawrence, they’re talking every day. Part of our culture is to make sure communication is open and that you’re always speaking because when you talk and you communicate, good things happen…I can call Joe anytime. I’ll call Lawrence anytime. We have open communication.”
A year ago, the Pistons – along with the rest of the NBA – had a lockout to deal with, which cancelled both summer league and a full training camp. Once the Pistons have completed the draft, they’ll be able to participate in summer league play and have an entire offseason to finalize next season’s roster. This will also give the coaching staff the ability to make some tweaks to the playbook and integrate the new players.
“When we start next year,” Frank says, “we’re gonna have a lot of different, special situations that have happened to us both good and bad to incorporate into everything we do.”
“Hopefully, everybody this summer will work on what we need to work on and get ready for next season,” adds Prince.
What the Pistons do during the 2012 NBA Draft will set the tone for what will undoubtedly be a crucial offseason for the team’s development and overall growth. At No. 9, the Pistons know they won’t be getting a star player. However, they’ll need to make sure they get a player who fits their needs and gets them closer to returning to the postseason.
“We’ve just got to come in, and next year we’ll have a full training camp,” says guard Rodney Stuckey. “That’s gonna help out a lot. We’ll see what changes and stuff happen.”
By Steve St-Pierre | @Steve_Courtside
This year’s draft class features a number of power forwards and centers, with Kentucky’s Anthony Davis, Kansas’ Thomas Robinson and Connecticut’s Andre Drummond expected to go well before Detroit’s on the clock. Instead, the Pistons will target several second-tier post players, including forwards John Henson of North Carolina, Perry Jones III of Baylor, Terrence Jones of Kentucky, Jared Sullinger of Ohio State and center Tyler Zeller of North Carolina.
The Pistons’ greatest need heading into the draft is a defensive-minded power forward to plug alongside center Greg Monroe. Jason Maxiell, a long-time Pistons reserve who wound up starting last season, has the option of opting out of the final year of his contract and becoming a free agent. While both sides are hoping for a return, the team knows it must find a legitimate long-term starter at power forward.
Henson would appear to be the best fit amongst the group of second-tier big men. Sullinger has a similar game to Maxiell but is better offensively. The Joneses are both arguably better suited for small forward, which Detroit has plenty of right now with starter Tayshaun Prince and reserves Jonas Jerebko and Austin Daye. Zeller, if drafted by the Pistons, would likely back up Monroe at center, though they could play together at times with Monroe sliding to power forward.
With the draft being held June 28, the Pistons have less than a month to work out and interview prospects. Clearly, the organization wants to get back to tough, defensive-minded, blue-collar basketball that it played when the team was most successful. The Pistons want somebody who brings that style and will embrace playing in the Motor City.
“To me, it’s the foundations on the defensive end,” says Lawrence Frank, Pistons Head Coach. “That’s when – despite everything – we have to maintain focus to get that one stop.”
“(It’s) about doing the right thing,” adds Tom Gores, Pistons Owner. “We have to represent a quality product in Detroit. We have to represent what we stand for in Detroit.”
The Pistons are already well-prepared for this summer’s offseason and have been in constant communication as a franchise.
“I’m pleased with the communication,” Gores says. “I can call Joe (Dumars, Pistons President) anytime. Joe calls me anytime, so I’m pleased…
“…In Joe and Lawrence, they’re talking every day. Part of our culture is to make sure communication is open and that you’re always speaking because when you talk and you communicate, good things happen…I can call Joe anytime. I’ll call Lawrence anytime. We have open communication.”
A year ago, the Pistons – along with the rest of the NBA – had a lockout to deal with, which cancelled both summer league and a full training camp. Once the Pistons have completed the draft, they’ll be able to participate in summer league play and have an entire offseason to finalize next season’s roster. This will also give the coaching staff the ability to make some tweaks to the playbook and integrate the new players.
“When we start next year,” Frank says, “we’re gonna have a lot of different, special situations that have happened to us both good and bad to incorporate into everything we do.”
“Hopefully, everybody this summer will work on what we need to work on and get ready for next season,” adds Prince.
What the Pistons do during the 2012 NBA Draft will set the tone for what will undoubtedly be a crucial offseason for the team’s development and overall growth. At No. 9, the Pistons know they won’t be getting a star player. However, they’ll need to make sure they get a player who fits their needs and gets them closer to returning to the postseason.
“We’ve just got to come in, and next year we’ll have a full training camp,” says guard Rodney Stuckey. “That’s gonna help out a lot. We’ll see what changes and stuff happen.”
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Wallace Undecided On Retirement As Pistons Miss Postseason
Wallace Undecided On Retirement As Pistons Miss Postseason
By Steve St-Pierre | @Steve_Courtside
For a third straight season, the Pistons have missed the NBA Playoffs, finishing this year with a record of 25-41. Yet, the organization is filled with optimism that it’s finally headed in the right direction.
“After an extremely slow start at 4-20, to the group’s credit, they stayed together, kept on fighting for each other, and really the beginning of February…was the beginning of the turnaround,” says Lawrence Frank, Pistons Head Coach. “We had a bunch of non-competitive games. Then, we came back home and started to play at a higher level.”
“This is a great group of guys,” adds forward Tayshaun Prince. At the beginning of the season, we didn’t have the opportunity to get as much practice time as we would like, but things happen. We all wish we could change something that we did…I think we’ve learned from it, and hopefully we can move on to next season in the right frame of mind and get off to a better start than we did this season.”
Even the organization’s new head boss was pleased with what he saw in his first season at the helm.
“I’m proud of the fact they came back, and they did their thing,” says Tom Gores, Pistons Owner. “They worked hard. They did all the things that Detroit stands for…the culture was reset this year. I am very proud of the folks, and we made a lot of progress.”
The Pistons did a tremendous job of establishing a young nucleus of center Greg Monroe and guards Brandon Knight and Rodney Stuckey. They also got solid play from longtime veterans Prince, Jason Maxiell and Ben Wallace, who has likely played his last game but has yet to officially call it quits.
“It’s one of those things, I’ll have to think about it a little bit,” Wallace says. “It’s tough to walk away from the game when you’ve got so many people in the game who keep asking you to come back. Do I think it’s time for me to retire? Yeah, but people are asking me to come back obviously because they see something in me that I really don’t see in myself right now. We all feel good to be wanted.”
“Look, we’ve talked about it throughout the year,” says Frank. “Ben Wallace – it’s been an honor just to watch him every single day. One of the great competitors who have played this game. From White Hall, Alabama, undrafted, initially diagnosed as a two-guard to then come down and be one of the great defensive players that have played the game, bring a championship to this city, and to be able to still play at a high level at his age and to impact the game every single time he steps on the court. To be the ultimate professional in terms of how he approaches his job.”
Wallace’s teammates insist there’s still a place for him on the Pistons’ roster.
“It’s just been a pleasure,” Prince says. “Hopefully, this is not the end of the road. But if it is the end of the road basketball-wise, it definitely won’t be end of the road as far as the friendship and the family experience. We’re all hoping he will return.”
“He’s a Hall-of-Famer,” adds Stuckey. “He comes in each and every day, acts professional. He’s a hard worker. The crazy thing is he still could play a couple more years if he wanted to…we always tell him that we want him here. Ben’s a phenomenal teammate. He does anything for anybody, so of course we’d love him back.”
Besides Wallace, the Pistons’ only other unrestricted free agent this summer is veteran reserve Damien Wilkins, who will also likely be invited back next season. Additionally, Maxiell has the option to opt out of the final year of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent. Vernon Macklin and Walker Russell, Jr. are restricted free agents.
The 2012 NBA Draft Lottery will be held May 30, when the Pistons will find out which pick they’ll have in next month’s draft. The team could also look to improve its roster in free agency this summer, where they’ll be armed with the mid-level exception as well as the ability to use the amnesty clause on either veterans Ben Gordon or Charlie Villanueva.
“Anything’s possible,” Gordon admits. “That’s always in the back of your mind, but until you’re told something or until you hear something, you just always assume you’re gonna be here.”
“I can’t worry about things I can’t control,” adds Villanueva. Whatever happens, happens. (I just have to) stay healthy. That’s one of my goals. Stay healthy and keep working. Keep staying in the routine that I’ve been staying on with Arnie (Kander, Pistons Strength and Conditioning Coach).”
“I’ve been here through the tough years, so hopefully I can be here when things turn around,” Gordon says. “That’s my commitment from when I signed my contract, and that’s where I stand on that.”
Many in the organization believe the majority of the team’s improvement will come from within.
“We’re open to everything, but I don’t want to discount or take away anything from how good our players were this year,” Gores says. “We started 4-20. We were a pretty good team. There (were) a few games we didn’t finish because we were just jelling and coming together, and we did have a short season to deal with. I’m not saying we shouldn’t look at the possibility of making changes, but I’m also saying that we have great players on this team.”
“We know we have a lot of work to do,” adds Frank. “Hopefully, it just gives us an opportunity to reflect in terms of getting off to a better start and building some momentum going into the offseason.”
Surely, the Pistons will be preparing for what should be a relatively active offseason, one way or another. But for now, they’re just focusing on the positives that came from this condensed campaign, including the overall atmosphere that ownership has created in Auburn Hills.
“We have made a lot of changes,” Gores says. “Hopefully, we’ve reenergized The Palace this year…part of our job is - even when we're having tough times - to make it right for the fans. You can't always guarantee wins, but you can guarantee the experience, the moment that you walk in the door, that it's a good experience for the fans.
“Hopefully, we’ve done that.”
By Steve St-Pierre | @Steve_Courtside
“After an extremely slow start at 4-20, to the group’s credit, they stayed together, kept on fighting for each other, and really the beginning of February…was the beginning of the turnaround,” says Lawrence Frank, Pistons Head Coach. “We had a bunch of non-competitive games. Then, we came back home and started to play at a higher level.”
“This is a great group of guys,” adds forward Tayshaun Prince. At the beginning of the season, we didn’t have the opportunity to get as much practice time as we would like, but things happen. We all wish we could change something that we did…I think we’ve learned from it, and hopefully we can move on to next season in the right frame of mind and get off to a better start than we did this season.”
Even the organization’s new head boss was pleased with what he saw in his first season at the helm.
“I’m proud of the fact they came back, and they did their thing,” says Tom Gores, Pistons Owner. “They worked hard. They did all the things that Detroit stands for…the culture was reset this year. I am very proud of the folks, and we made a lot of progress.”
The Pistons did a tremendous job of establishing a young nucleus of center Greg Monroe and guards Brandon Knight and Rodney Stuckey. They also got solid play from longtime veterans Prince, Jason Maxiell and Ben Wallace, who has likely played his last game but has yet to officially call it quits.
“It’s one of those things, I’ll have to think about it a little bit,” Wallace says. “It’s tough to walk away from the game when you’ve got so many people in the game who keep asking you to come back. Do I think it’s time for me to retire? Yeah, but people are asking me to come back obviously because they see something in me that I really don’t see in myself right now. We all feel good to be wanted.”
“Look, we’ve talked about it throughout the year,” says Frank. “Ben Wallace – it’s been an honor just to watch him every single day. One of the great competitors who have played this game. From White Hall, Alabama, undrafted, initially diagnosed as a two-guard to then come down and be one of the great defensive players that have played the game, bring a championship to this city, and to be able to still play at a high level at his age and to impact the game every single time he steps on the court. To be the ultimate professional in terms of how he approaches his job.”
Wallace’s teammates insist there’s still a place for him on the Pistons’ roster.
“It’s just been a pleasure,” Prince says. “Hopefully, this is not the end of the road. But if it is the end of the road basketball-wise, it definitely won’t be end of the road as far as the friendship and the family experience. We’re all hoping he will return.”
“He’s a Hall-of-Famer,” adds Stuckey. “He comes in each and every day, acts professional. He’s a hard worker. The crazy thing is he still could play a couple more years if he wanted to…we always tell him that we want him here. Ben’s a phenomenal teammate. He does anything for anybody, so of course we’d love him back.”
Besides Wallace, the Pistons’ only other unrestricted free agent this summer is veteran reserve Damien Wilkins, who will also likely be invited back next season. Additionally, Maxiell has the option to opt out of the final year of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent. Vernon Macklin and Walker Russell, Jr. are restricted free agents.
The 2012 NBA Draft Lottery will be held May 30, when the Pistons will find out which pick they’ll have in next month’s draft. The team could also look to improve its roster in free agency this summer, where they’ll be armed with the mid-level exception as well as the ability to use the amnesty clause on either veterans Ben Gordon or Charlie Villanueva.
“Anything’s possible,” Gordon admits. “That’s always in the back of your mind, but until you’re told something or until you hear something, you just always assume you’re gonna be here.”
“I can’t worry about things I can’t control,” adds Villanueva. Whatever happens, happens. (I just have to) stay healthy. That’s one of my goals. Stay healthy and keep working. Keep staying in the routine that I’ve been staying on with Arnie (Kander, Pistons Strength and Conditioning Coach).”
“I’ve been here through the tough years, so hopefully I can be here when things turn around,” Gordon says. “That’s my commitment from when I signed my contract, and that’s where I stand on that.”
Many in the organization believe the majority of the team’s improvement will come from within.
“We’re open to everything, but I don’t want to discount or take away anything from how good our players were this year,” Gores says. “We started 4-20. We were a pretty good team. There (were) a few games we didn’t finish because we were just jelling and coming together, and we did have a short season to deal with. I’m not saying we shouldn’t look at the possibility of making changes, but I’m also saying that we have great players on this team.”
“We know we have a lot of work to do,” adds Frank. “Hopefully, it just gives us an opportunity to reflect in terms of getting off to a better start and building some momentum going into the offseason.”
Surely, the Pistons will be preparing for what should be a relatively active offseason, one way or another. But for now, they’re just focusing on the positives that came from this condensed campaign, including the overall atmosphere that ownership has created in Auburn Hills.
“We have made a lot of changes,” Gores says. “Hopefully, we’ve reenergized The Palace this year…part of our job is - even when we're having tough times - to make it right for the fans. You can't always guarantee wins, but you can guarantee the experience, the moment that you walk in the door, that it's a good experience for the fans.
“Hopefully, we’ve done that.”
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